Spring 2026 Submission Guidelines
Violet Margin is a literary journal that publishes all genres of creative writing, photography and visual art from undergraduate students across the country.
****Submission window: January 29, 2026-February 20, 2026****
Spring 2026 Theme: In this edition of Violet Margin, we will not be adhering to any specific, isolating theme
While we have no specific, isolating theme, we are encouraging submission of works that feel unrestricted, unafraid, and willing to steady their gaze, even when wanting to look away.
We want work that acknowledges the realities that exist within the margins. Work that feels necessary, innovative, and attentive to the moment.
This spring, the Violet Margin is reflecting on the current climate around us, whether social, political, or environmental.
In a world that seems increasingly divisive, we are looking for works that remind us of the human need for connection, community, and our capacity for empathy.
Everyone has a voice. What does yours have to say?
Violet Margin is committed to publishing diverse voices and aims to focus on those that have, throughout history, been marginalized and excluded from the literary canon. We also especially encourage beginning writers and unpublished writers to submit. We recognize the weight of handling vulnerable new writing and aim to treat all writers with respect and care.
AI policy: Violet Margin does not accept work generated using AI. This is due to concerns around harmful biases in AI, the mass theft of existing content, and AI’s deleterious impact on the environment.
FOR PROSE: We accept one work of prose per person. Short stories, creative nonfiction, essays, and flash fiction all fall under this category. Submissions can range anywhere from 250-2000 words. You may submit two prose works if they are each under 500 words.
FOR POETRY: For Spring 2026 submissions we are accepting up to three poems per person.
FOR VISUAL MEDIA: You may submit up to five pieces of visual art or photography.
All submissions must be emailed to violetmargin@uis.edu. Put the genre of the submissions in the subject line.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Email your submission as an email attachment to: violetmargin@uis.edu Put your genre and last name in the subject line of the email. For example: Prose Olivares
All written submissions must be in .docx. Font type and size is up to you. All visual submissions must be in .png format.
**If submitting multiple literary works, put them all in the same Word document.**
Make sure the email you are submitting with is a university email.
In the body of the email, please include a cover letter in the body of the email with the name of your institution, and a short bio ( no more than 100 words) that includes any relevant educational or publishing experience you have. This can also include information related to the submission’s context or some your relevant personal interests.
We strongly encourage new, unpublished writers to submit!
Here is a sample bio:
Jessica Writer studies environmental science at Cheesepuff University where she also organizes a horror book club. This is her first publication.
Simultaneous submissions, or submissions sent to multiple magazines at the same time, are allowed. However, once accepted by Violet Margin we expect other submissions to be pulled. If the work is accepted elsewhere, please notify us as soon as possible via email at violetmargin@uis.edu
Writers may use a pseudonym if they desire.
Violet Margin 